MP2MP

MP2MP, short for multipoint-to-multipoint, is a communications paradigm in which many endpoints can simultaneously send and receive data with many other endpoints. It contrasts with point-to-point links and point-to-multipoint configurations, and is widely used in real-time collaboration, video conferencing, and distributed sensing networks. In MP2MP systems, participants can act as both transmitters and receivers, enabling many-to-many interaction.

There are two common architectural approaches. In centralized MP2MP, a multipoint control unit or similar resource mixes and redistributes streams for participants. This can reduce per-link bandwidth, simplify scheduling, and scale to larger groups, but introduces processing latency and creates a potential single point of failure. In a mesh MP2MP arrangement, endpoints connect directly to multiple peers, enabling low-latency exchanges and redundancy at the cost of increased bandwidth usage and more complex connection management as the participant count grows.

Applications of MP2MP include videoconferencing, collaborative workspaces, distance learning, telemedicine, and certain broadcast or surveillance networks where multiple sources feed multiple destinations. The choice between centralized and mesh MP2MP designs depends on factors such as group size, required latency, available bandwidth, and reliability.

Benefits of MP2MP include efficient utilization of shared media resources, flexible participation for a large set of users, and improved collaboration. Common challenges involve maintaining quality of service, synchronization of streams, security and access control, scalability, and resilience against failures or network partitions.

Standards and implementations of MP2MP features are found across SIP-based conferencing, WebRTC deployments, and various telecommunications platforms. While not always labeled as MP2MP, many systems describe many-to-many conferencing capabilities that align with the MP2MP concept.